At the roundabout in BIU, popularly referred to as ‘cross’ by the locals, there are two billboards celebrating an uncommon legislator, a bonafide son of the soil, a positive disruptor and indeed, a well loved person. In one of the billboards, cradled above a very impressive photo of Hon Muktar Betara is the caption: Portrait of a Patriot! A newbie to Biu will no doubt wonder just what shade of patriotism that caption refers to.
In truth, I will be lying if I pretend to know the particular shade of patriotism that inspired that billboard, but as one who has lived in Biu for the best part of three years, I can say with every certainty that I know just how much patriotism has been made bare through the actions of Messrs Betara, especially in the last one year or so.
What Biu has seen by way of infrastructure in the last 16 months is nothing short of amazing. The transformation is particularly interesting because, the first thing that struck me about BIU when I first laid eyes on her, was the aura of power, albeit individually possessed. Unfortunately, the place was starved of any form of development or dividends of democracy. As one who is from a region of Nasarawa state that has been grappling with the same affliction of government’s absence as Biu, I dismissed that glaring anomaly as a norm – the subsisting normal. Even when Stephen, one of my brothers who came to Biu shortly after we deployed started raving about a certain Muktar Betara, I waved him off. I cautioned him to rein in his optimism. To me, politicians are always just politicians. Case closed.
Fast forward three years later and just marvel at the staggering transformation. Comparing the picture of the wholesale infrastructural changes between now and the past is like comparing clear daylight and a chilling nightmare. From Yamarkumi, Filin Jirgi and back through Jikwol and other places, the town is wearing a new look accentuated by standard grade asphalt township roads, all thanks to a resurgent Muktar Betara. Someone who last visited Biu two years ago may find it hard to take in the glint bouncing of the dark asphalt roads around town.
Yet, these changes are not only seen within Biu. They are spread all over his federal constituency. At least I have seen new roads in and around Kwaya-Kusar and Bayo along the Biu – Gombe road where I ply regularly. The people of Shani also have their stories of transformation, all of which are attributed to Hon. Betara. There’s today a glint of pride in the eyes of the people of Biu whenever the name of Betara is mentioned.
In Nigeria, debates have been raging on about the primary role of a legislator. Many will want to insist that the primary job of a legislator is to contribute in making laws that will mainstream progressive change. I use to think so myself. But you see, because of the uniqueness of the Nigerian system, I want to now contend that the Nigerian legislator’s role has evolved from just empty talk in the floor of the national Assembly to gathering enough clout that could be used as leverage to lobby/attract developmental projects to ones constituency.
Many legislators have been known to also attract these projects, at least on paper, only for them to either connive with the contractors to deliver very poor jobs at bargain prices or even steal the contract funds altogether. This is where Betara has stood out. Not only has he carefully cultivated his legislative capital and clout with which he’s now lobbying projects to his people, he also now possess the will to ensure that the projects are executed at the rate and quality approved in the contract documents.
The quality of some of the township roads attracted, to and executed in Biu is simply breathtaking and are reminiscent of the standard you only see in Big cities like Abuja. I hear the man has also setup a trust fund for widows and many indigent groups all over his constituency.
Not only that, I only recently learnt that the man has concluded plans and acquired enough farm machines to lead the switch from manual farming to mechanised farming within his constituency. Now, for those who don’t know this area, the economy of this area is driven by Agriculture. And as someone who knows the strength of his people, Betara has taken it upon himself to bring succour through mechanised farm equipment, thereby meeting his people at the point of their needs. There’s no telling just how much his mechanization plan will impact Biu, but one thing is clear, there will be more farming and more yield out of Biu in the next harvest. Aside from machines, fertilizers have also been procured in principle ahead of the next farming season.
Yet, the story has not always been this rosy. I use to know of a time in Biu where not many have anything good to say about the man. Today, the man’s name is on everyone’s lips. People in large numbers, are known to line up convoys of welcome parties to receive Betara from the airport in Gombe all the way to Biu.
Indeed, the elevation of Hon Muktar Betara from the league of every politician to a league of his own is evidence enough that Nigerian politicians have it within them to redefine their impact. Personally, his transformation has taught me that change is possible And although it may take a long time for leaders to take responsibility, but through the sheer stubbornness of time, things will change.
The dividends of good representation is always instant. Before now, talk of the ouster of Betara had gathered momentum, but all of it has fizzled out. Could it be that this in-form Betara emerged out of caution and the possibility that his prospective competitors could unseat him? Possibly. One thing though is certain, the people of his constituency are the winners. Even the Nigerian Army University Biu has benefited from his current display patriotic generosity.
It is at times like this that people like us begin to wonder just what kind of representation we have back home. The Betara transformation I’m sure has now awaken many people to their reality of the failure of their representatives. Back where we come from for instance, all talk of legislative representation dies on the keypads of legislative aides and e-rats. The situation is so bleak that it is beginning to feel as though we have missed out on both responsibilities of legislators. This is because, whereas legislators from other places who are not vocal on the floor of the house have focused on attracting projects to their constituencies, ours are neither vocal on the floor of the house, nor do they attract the kind of legacy projects that the people of Biu for instance, have been lucky to be visited with.
Must every legislator be rechristened Muktar Betara? If that were possible, yes! However, I believe the progress recorded by people like Betara should be a challenge to his colleagues from other places. If he can attract this much to his people, then why not, everyone could!
